My personal review
This is
a personal review of the self-help, self development, and motivational body
mind spirit book called The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin Sharma.
As Delia says, why do all that work when some one has done it for you?
I have read the book and will give you my synopsis of it.
Also I will point out what I think are the main conclusions, so you can skip the rest and just read the conclusions if you are really in a hurry.
I realise that I am no expert with no relevant qualifications etc but I feel that I have something to offer the interested but time poor person who does not have time to read all these and sift out what is most relevant.
As Delia says, why do all that work when some one has done it for you?
I have read the book and will give you my synopsis of it.
Also I will point out what I think are the main conclusions, so you can skip the rest and just read the conclusions if you are really in a hurry.
I realise that I am no expert with no relevant qualifications etc but I feel that I have something to offer the interested but time poor person who does not have time to read all these and sift out what is most relevant.
The Monk who sold his Ferrari by Robin S.
Sharma
My Personal review -
Chapters 1 to 9
We must
remember that this book is a story, a work of fiction. While it contains
messages similar to those put forward in other self help books this is a made
up story and not a testimony from an experienced practitioner or a well
researched account of observation.
First a quick synopsis of each chapter
Chapter One
The Wake Up Call
Our hero is a lawyer - successful, high earning, high playing, tough and determined. He works 18hour days and is obsessed with work. He works harder and harder in his hunger for more glory and money. He has all the possessions - houses, a jet, the red Ferrari - but continues to push himself to the limit almost as if he has a death wish. He has a failed marriage and has become old-looking and overweight during the strain of his take-no-prisoners out-of-balance lifestyle with its smoking and drinking and over indulgence. He has lost his purpose and focus in life, which has left him only emptiness.
Our narrator is a junior lawyer - assistant and friend to the great man.
The first sentence tells of the collapse in court of our hero - a massive heart attack.
Chapter Two
The Mysterious Visitor
Three years have gone by and our hero has vanished apparently to India on an expedition.
One evening the mysterious visitor of the chapter title arrives at the narrator's office. He is a smiling young man full of vitality and energy who exudes peacefulness.
It is of course our returning hero much changed.
Chapter Three
The Miraculous Transformation
Our hero reminds the narrator that the legal world had ruined him physically, emotionally and spiritually and he had gone to India to recuperate and find himself.
He sold everything and travelled from village to village, learning about the way of life and seeing the wonderful sights in India. The people were very welcoming and he slowly improved - his energy and enthusiasm returned and he began feeling more joyful and peaceful. This was not just a long holiday but a spiritual mission to find the ancient wisdom for a rewarding life. He heard about ageless monks who lived contemplative lives and longed to meet them. In the mean time he learned from many teachers and travelled to many temples.
He felt there was something missing but he finally met a yogi told him about a group of Sages who had a holistic system to extend the potential of the mind, body, and soul. This promotes health and happiness and fulfilment. Their whereabouts was unknown - somewhere in the mountains. So our hero hiked alone high in the magnificent scenery for seven days. He then spots a figure in a robe carrying flowers. Although he is old this monk radiates youth and vitality, as well as serenity and peace.
He takes our hero to be a guest in the temple where he will learn the ancient principles of enlightened living leading to inner harmony and lasting peace. In return he must teach others the same to fulfil their dreams
Chapter Four
A Magical Meeting with the Sages
The temple is in a village in a beautiful valley. The buildings are made of roses. The people are silent, deeply contented, and engaged in productive activity. They eat fresh fruit and vegetables. This feels like a homecoming to our hero.
Chapter Five
A Spiritual Student of the Sages
His time in the village was spent watching, resting, and meditating. He heard about the insights, principles, and techniques which give vitality, creativity, and fulfilment. He learned about self mastery and self responsibility. His personal expansion was indicated by the noticing of the beauty of ordinary things and he grew to feel peace and serenity while being joyful and energetic.
Our narrator now wonders if these principles and so on could help him to improve his own getting jaded life.
Our hero uses familiar phrases -
How can you care for others if you cannot care for yourself?
When the student is ready the teacher appears.
Chapter Six
The Wisdom of Personal Change
Our hero arrives at the home of the narrator clad in flowing robes highlighting his personal transformation.
He promises to explain the techniques for controlling your mind and erasing worry. Also the wisdom which will allow a purposeful rewarding life, and the methods which give energy and youthfulness.
He suggests that the narrator tries them out for one month and then be amazed at the changes.
The main message is contained in 7 virtues for self leadership and spiritual enlightenment. These virtues are illustrated in a fable.
There is a beautiful garden with a lighthouse in it. A sumo wrestler comes out of the lighthouse and picks up a watch from the ground and puts it on. He collapses into unconsciousness and remains so for some time. Finally he awakes and follows a diamond path out of the scene.
First a quick synopsis of each chapter
Chapter One
The Wake Up Call
Our hero is a lawyer - successful, high earning, high playing, tough and determined. He works 18hour days and is obsessed with work. He works harder and harder in his hunger for more glory and money. He has all the possessions - houses, a jet, the red Ferrari - but continues to push himself to the limit almost as if he has a death wish. He has a failed marriage and has become old-looking and overweight during the strain of his take-no-prisoners out-of-balance lifestyle with its smoking and drinking and over indulgence. He has lost his purpose and focus in life, which has left him only emptiness.
Our narrator is a junior lawyer - assistant and friend to the great man.
The first sentence tells of the collapse in court of our hero - a massive heart attack.
Chapter Two
The Mysterious Visitor
Three years have gone by and our hero has vanished apparently to India on an expedition.
One evening the mysterious visitor of the chapter title arrives at the narrator's office. He is a smiling young man full of vitality and energy who exudes peacefulness.
It is of course our returning hero much changed.
Chapter Three
The Miraculous Transformation
Our hero reminds the narrator that the legal world had ruined him physically, emotionally and spiritually and he had gone to India to recuperate and find himself.
He sold everything and travelled from village to village, learning about the way of life and seeing the wonderful sights in India. The people were very welcoming and he slowly improved - his energy and enthusiasm returned and he began feeling more joyful and peaceful. This was not just a long holiday but a spiritual mission to find the ancient wisdom for a rewarding life. He heard about ageless monks who lived contemplative lives and longed to meet them. In the mean time he learned from many teachers and travelled to many temples.
He felt there was something missing but he finally met a yogi told him about a group of Sages who had a holistic system to extend the potential of the mind, body, and soul. This promotes health and happiness and fulfilment. Their whereabouts was unknown - somewhere in the mountains. So our hero hiked alone high in the magnificent scenery for seven days. He then spots a figure in a robe carrying flowers. Although he is old this monk radiates youth and vitality, as well as serenity and peace.
He takes our hero to be a guest in the temple where he will learn the ancient principles of enlightened living leading to inner harmony and lasting peace. In return he must teach others the same to fulfil their dreams
Chapter Four
A Magical Meeting with the Sages
The temple is in a village in a beautiful valley. The buildings are made of roses. The people are silent, deeply contented, and engaged in productive activity. They eat fresh fruit and vegetables. This feels like a homecoming to our hero.
Chapter Five
A Spiritual Student of the Sages
His time in the village was spent watching, resting, and meditating. He heard about the insights, principles, and techniques which give vitality, creativity, and fulfilment. He learned about self mastery and self responsibility. His personal expansion was indicated by the noticing of the beauty of ordinary things and he grew to feel peace and serenity while being joyful and energetic.
Our narrator now wonders if these principles and so on could help him to improve his own getting jaded life.
Our hero uses familiar phrases -
How can you care for others if you cannot care for yourself?
When the student is ready the teacher appears.
Chapter Six
The Wisdom of Personal Change
Our hero arrives at the home of the narrator clad in flowing robes highlighting his personal transformation.
He promises to explain the techniques for controlling your mind and erasing worry. Also the wisdom which will allow a purposeful rewarding life, and the methods which give energy and youthfulness.
He suggests that the narrator tries them out for one month and then be amazed at the changes.
The main message is contained in 7 virtues for self leadership and spiritual enlightenment. These virtues are illustrated in a fable.
There is a beautiful garden with a lighthouse in it. A sumo wrestler comes out of the lighthouse and picks up a watch from the ground and puts it on. He collapses into unconsciousness and remains so for some time. Finally he awakes and follows a diamond path out of the scene.
Chapter Seven
A Most Extraordinary Garden
Our hero explains the first symbol from the fable. The garden represents the mind. This chapter is about the potential of thought.
To help your garden flourish, you nurture it. To promote a healthy mind, gain mastery over it. We can control our attitude to events we cannot control - the old glass half full or half empty. His advice is to always find the good in everything, there are no mistakes only lessons. As concentration is the root of mental mastery he describes an exercise to the narrator - The Heart of the Rose. This is to help focus the mind and achieve stillness. The exercise involves looking at the rose and not letting your mind stray. This is to be done every day - along with another 10minutes focussed reflection on the purpose of the day.
The next piece of advice is Opposition Thinking - always think yourself out of a bad mood by thinking the opposite. He says thoughts are things, energy, and must be looked after. No negative thoughts allowed.
The final piece of advice in this chapter involves another exercise; this one is called the Secret of the Lake. This involves visualising your dreams, imagining what you want as though it is real. Our hero proclaims that this will invoke the power of attraction which makes the dream into reality.
There is also a small aside in which our hero states that to find happiness you must find out what you love to do and do it.
Follow your passion.
Chapter Eight
Kindling your Inner Fire
The Lighthouse represents purpose. This chapter is about goals and aims.
Our hero explains the next part of the fable thus: happiness comes with the achievement of goals, advancing life's purpose. His advice is to find out what you are good at and thus your heroic mission. Then have courage to act on it.
He outlines 5 steps to help you.
1. Envisage your goal and write it down. Have a dream book.
2. Apply pressure on yourself to get it done - have a penalty clause
3. Have a deadline
4. It takes 21 days to fix a new habit
5. Have fun
Chapter Nine
The Ancient Art of Self Leadership
Our hero explains the third symbol from the fable.
The Sumo wrestler represents life long learning.
This chapter is about constantly improving your mind, body and soul.
Our hero proclaims here that fear is holding you back; it is time to step out of your comfort zone and explore the unknown to liberate your true potential. Conquer your fears and conquer your life.
Doing what you truly love to do will bring deep contentment.
He recommends to our narrator that he should spend one hour a day for 30 days on the Ten Rituals of Radiant Living
1. The Ritual of Solitude
Being still and quiet connects with the creative source. Make this a routine in a Sanctuary of Self, perhaps communing with nature. Use the healing power of silence.
2. The Ritual of Physicality
Take some exercise such as walking or yoga. Caring for the body supports the mind. Practise breathing.
3. The Ritual of Live Nourishment
Eat more live foods - that is fruit and vegetables.
4. The Ritual of Abundant Knowledge
Read for 30 minutes a day - choose nourishing books say the wisdom literature or biographies of people you admire.
5. The Ritual of Personal Reflection
Cultivate the habit of thinking to thrive. This is silent contemplation on the day. Perhaps write an inventory of all the day's events. Then plan action to improve tomorrow.
6. The Ritual of Early Awakening
Rise with the sun as 6 hours sleep is enough. Think inspiring and serene thoughts 10 minutes before and after sleep, use the extra time well - develop a gratitude list or listen to music or appreciate nature.
Start the day well, what if today is the last day? (more of this later)
7. The Ritual of Music
Use the power of music to dance and laugh and smile.
8. The Ritual of the Spoken Word
Daily mantras or affirmations will free the mind. Positive self-talk and self-image will enhance life.
9. The Ritual of Congruent Character
Strength of character should be improved every day by practising virtuous living and adhering to the principles of industry, compassion, humility, patience, honesty and courage.
10. The Ritual of Simplicity
Focus on priorities, reduce needs and make activities meaningful.
These are the practical things and our hero now moves onto the spiritual stuff.
He explains that all things come from the same source, so that we are all one - the Soul of the Universe.
He maintains that the universe favours the brave, so our narrator should embrace failure and grow to follow his dreams to his destiny.
Summary phrase - constant improvement
The Monk who sold
his Ferrari
Chapters 10 to 13
Chapter
Ten
The Power of Discipline
Our hero explains the fourth symbol from the fable.
The pink wire cable represents self-control and discipline.
This chapter is about willpower and inner strength.
Our hero suggests that self-control gives freedom because we are no longer slaves to impulses and the demands of the world. We can make our own decisions.
Master your mind, master your life. Control every thought and allow only positive thinking.
There is more help for the narrator - a formula to develop willpower
1. Say this mantra 30 times a day
I am more than I appear to be, all of the worlds strength and power rests inside me.
2. Start doing the things you don't like
3. Don't speak for a day - curb impulses.
His advice is to be all you can be, start small and build momentum.
Summary phrase - the power of will
Chapter Eleven
Your Most Precious Commodity
Our hero explains the fifth symbol from the fable.
The gold watch represents time.
This chapter is about time management
Our hero goes on to explain that time mastery is life mastery. He says that effective people set aims and live a life of achievement without sacrificing peace of mind. Our narrator must plan his time and use it effectively. He must think about mortality and the importance of living fully. Simplify life and do not put off living. Develop a deathbed mentality - live every day as if it is the last. Act as if failure is impossible and be the architect of your future.
Finally, he asserts that the ultimate purpose of life is to serve.
Summary phrase - respect time
Chapter Twelve
The Ultimate Purpose of Life
Our hero explains the sixth symbol from the fable.
The roses represent service to others.
This chapter is about your contribution
Our hero now takes the view that quality of life depends on the quality of contribution. The old line that you can take nothing with you but you can leave something. He advises using the special gifts of mental ability, energy, creativity, discipline and peacefulness and applying them to a common good. Our narrator should practice compassion and kindness to all and meditate every morning on the good he will do today.
Summary phrase - selflessly serve others
Chapter Thirteen
The Timeless secret of Life Long Happiness
Our hero explains the final symbol from the fable.
The diamond path represents the jewels along the way
This chapter is about living in the present
Our hero now asserts the benefit of living in the now and not squandering life's gifts.
He has many phrases:-
Live today and savour it fully
Happiness is a journey not a destination
Enjoy the small wonders of every day
Never put off living, don't sacrifice the present for the future
Seize the moment and live a life that soars.
Have time for your family
Live with a sense of wonder and joy
Be grateful and grow your destiny
Follow your mission, follow the path of your dreams
Do what you truly love to do
Revive your spirit and tend your soul
Be all that you can be
With other repetitions of phrases from earlier - such as small victories, tiny changes, personal development - the lawyer-turned-monk, our erstwhile hero, takes his leave of his one time underling, our narrator.
Summary phrase - embrace the present
The Power of Discipline
Our hero explains the fourth symbol from the fable.
The pink wire cable represents self-control and discipline.
This chapter is about willpower and inner strength.
Our hero suggests that self-control gives freedom because we are no longer slaves to impulses and the demands of the world. We can make our own decisions.
Master your mind, master your life. Control every thought and allow only positive thinking.
There is more help for the narrator - a formula to develop willpower
1. Say this mantra 30 times a day
I am more than I appear to be, all of the worlds strength and power rests inside me.
2. Start doing the things you don't like
3. Don't speak for a day - curb impulses.
His advice is to be all you can be, start small and build momentum.
Summary phrase - the power of will
Chapter Eleven
Your Most Precious Commodity
Our hero explains the fifth symbol from the fable.
The gold watch represents time.
This chapter is about time management
Our hero goes on to explain that time mastery is life mastery. He says that effective people set aims and live a life of achievement without sacrificing peace of mind. Our narrator must plan his time and use it effectively. He must think about mortality and the importance of living fully. Simplify life and do not put off living. Develop a deathbed mentality - live every day as if it is the last. Act as if failure is impossible and be the architect of your future.
Finally, he asserts that the ultimate purpose of life is to serve.
Summary phrase - respect time
Chapter Twelve
The Ultimate Purpose of Life
Our hero explains the sixth symbol from the fable.
The roses represent service to others.
This chapter is about your contribution
Our hero now takes the view that quality of life depends on the quality of contribution. The old line that you can take nothing with you but you can leave something. He advises using the special gifts of mental ability, energy, creativity, discipline and peacefulness and applying them to a common good. Our narrator should practice compassion and kindness to all and meditate every morning on the good he will do today.
Summary phrase - selflessly serve others
Chapter Thirteen
The Timeless secret of Life Long Happiness
Our hero explains the final symbol from the fable.
The diamond path represents the jewels along the way
This chapter is about living in the present
Our hero now asserts the benefit of living in the now and not squandering life's gifts.
He has many phrases:-
Live today and savour it fully
Happiness is a journey not a destination
Enjoy the small wonders of every day
Never put off living, don't sacrifice the present for the future
Seize the moment and live a life that soars.
Have time for your family
Live with a sense of wonder and joy
Be grateful and grow your destiny
Follow your mission, follow the path of your dreams
Do what you truly love to do
Revive your spirit and tend your soul
Be all that you can be
With other repetitions of phrases from earlier - such as small victories, tiny changes, personal development - the lawyer-turned-monk, our erstwhile hero, takes his leave of his one time underling, our narrator.
Summary phrase - embrace the present
Summary
I will
add my summary here soon
